Alleviating Hidden Hunger Using Black Tea

Inadequate supply of micronutrients causes human health complications and is a worldwide problem now referred to as hidden hunger. The objective of this study was to assess levels of micronutrients in East African teas, local market teas and their infusions, establish if their levels vary with nitrogen fertilizer rates and plucking intervals and determine if there are variations in micronutrient level in the black tea of tea clones planted in various geographic locations. Teas from the local market had higher levels of micronutrients than exported teas and the levels varied among the grades. Thus consumption of more than two cups of tea per day can supply daily requirements of Mn. However adequate daily supply of other micronutrients must be supplied by other foods. Mn and Se levels were not affected by increasing rates of nitrogenous fertilizer, Fe and Zn increased while Cu levels reduced. Plucking intervals did not affect the micronutrient content of the black teas. Different clones showed varied micronutrient content when planted in different locations. To increase micronutrient in tea, it is necessary to optimize nitrogen fertilizer rates and use suitable clones in their areas.